Bhimeswara Swamy Temple dedicated to
Shiva is one of the five major Shiva shrines in
Andhra Pradesh. Also called Bhimarama, this shrine is located at
Samarlakota in
East Godavari District. It is 15 km from the town of
Kakinada. This temple displays both Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It is believed to be built during the 11th century by the Chalukya ruler Bhima, who also built the
Bhimeswara Temple at Draksharama.
Legend has it that the main idol here, the Shivalinga, was installed by Skandakumara (another name for
Lord Kartikeya) and hence the place is also called Kumararama. There are references to Kumararamam in the Skanda Puranam. Shiva's consort,
Parvati, is referred to here as Bala
Tripurasundari.
The three-storeyed sanctum houses a huge Shivalinga. This is a typical feature of the shrines of this group. The whole structure is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The highlight of the artistry is a swing scuplted out of black granite that actually sways.
